The Latest: Feb 2019

Name: Seth and Ali Rongkawit Location: Ballard — Seattle, Washington Size: 900 square feet Years lived in: Renting 2+ years When Seth and Ali moved into this Seattle space, they faced the same design dilemma that many renters come across: How to create distinct areas when your apartment is wide open. After two years of living here, they’ve found a layout that functions well. And they’ve added their personality to create a bright and sweet home.

Name: The Lemon Bowl (Founders: Kate Zaremba, Linny Giffin and Holley Simmons) Location: Park View, Washington, D.C. Size: 500 square feet Years lived in: 1 year Visiting The Lemon Bowl—a retail space, shared workspace and workshop studio in Washington D.C.—is like being inside a gumball machine where all the treats are handmade.

Name: Paty Martínez Location: L’eixample — Valencia, Spain Size: 2152 square feet Years lived in: Owned 35 years The ocher color is the star of this house, defining edges and warming rooms. Paty is a painter and loves art so much, you can feel that passion the second you meet her. Her strong personality shows through in her home and in her beautiful art studio, where you can see all the amazing paintings she creates.

Name: Ana, Ximo and Blas Location: Valencia, Spain Size: 936 square feet Years lived in: Owned 2 years Anna is a social educator and Ximo works at a shipping company, and together they share this charming historic home in Valencia’s shopping district. They fell in love at first sight with this home, but some work was needed. It was dark and had no sense space, with lots of tiny rooms and a really low ceiling.

Name: Mina, Sumit, Alec, Louis & Léonie Location: Bromma, a suburb to Stockholm, Sweden Size: 168 square metros square feet Years lived in: 1 month In the suburban neighborhood of Bromma, outside the city of Stockholm, Mina and Sumit have created a beautiful space for their young family in their newly built home. Mina loves this home’s large windows and open concept floor plan, and her minimal, casual approach to design maximizes the airy feeling of this home.

Name: Drew Location: Platinum Corridor — Addison, Texas Size: 650 square feet Years lived in: Renting 1.5 years Though Drew works in the medical device industry, he has a deep love for interior design, and his loft studio in Addison, Texas (north of Dallas) showcases that love.

Name: Travis Location: Lakeview — Chicago, Illinois Size: 1000 square feet Years lived in: 2 years, rented Travis grew up in Louisiana and Texas, but has been living in Chicago for a medical residency for the last couple years. He made sure to bring his southern roots with him in the form of decor. Travis’s apartment has a sort of dark & gothic feel to it. He attributes this to all the “dead things” around the apartment. He has taxidermy, bones and shells in every room.

Name: Kristen Siefkin and Ken “Zig” Naffziger, and their two Havanese, Zane and Ollie Location: Arbor Lodge Neighborhood, North Portland, Oregon Size: 2,800 square feet Years lived in: 2+ years, owned After years in a successful PR career, Kristen decided it was time to follow her dream of becoming an interior stylist.

Name: Margaux Rust, Drew Daniels, Juniper and Gypsy Location: Echo Park; Los Angeles, California Size: 1000 square feet Years lived in: Rented 1 year We first got a peek at Margaux and Drew’s home during their House Call last fall, but since then they’ve already rearranged and refreshed their space (as they often do). The house was built around 1910, when the neighborhood was filling up with large Arts and Crafts or Victorian homes.

Walking into Rory's house is like walking into an adult Disneyland...if your version is a wonderland of wild colors, impeccable attention to detail and over-the-top accents.

Name: Clare, Jakob and baby Nikolai Location: West Berlin, Germany Size: 122 square meters (1313 square feet) Years lived in: 2 years Jakob and Clare moved into this West Berlin home a couple of years ago, and have since added little Nikolai to the family! Light-filled rooms and tall ceilings are balanced with a contemporary mix of furnishings and stunning architectural detail.

Name: Brian Mitchell and Ericka James Location: NoPa— San Francisco, California Size: 1,450 square feet Years lived in: Owned 1 year When Brian bought this house in the NoPa neighborhood of San Francisco, there wasn’t much left of the two-story structure. Some might have passed up the opportunity, but he saw healthy architectural bones and potential. Within a year, the house transformed into a beautiful, modern California mid-century home.

With or without a house built in the 1950s, it’s possible to achieve a mid-century style mixed with your own personal flare. Astral’s home seamlessly joins elements from mid-century design with both modern and vintage elements—and some contemporary chic. Find out how you can achieve Astral’s style with the shopping resources below!

Name: Trish Grantham and Rentz Leinbach, and Pablo the dog Location: Northeast Portland, Oregon Size: 1,400 square feet Years lived in: Renting 9 months From the moment you step into the foyer of Trish and Rentz’s home and find yourself surrounded by dark walls adorned with hand-painted gold tropical foliage, you know you’ve entered a unique space. Trish is an artist and interior designer, Rentz is a musician, and their home is colorful, fun, quirky and interesting, just like them.

Name: Sheeva Sairafi Location: Los Angeles, California Size: 3 bedroom/2 bathroom Years lived in: Owned 1 year Sheeva Sairafi’s bright and colorful Spanish Colonial style home reflects her inspiring vision for making a global impact. In 2014 Sheeva left a coveted corporate retail position to start her own socially conscious global home decor company, Local + Lejos.

Name: Evan and Gavin Gregory Location: Parkwood — Shoreline (Seattle), Washington Size: 920 square feet Years lived in: 7.5 years, owned On an unassuming residential street in a suburb just north of Seattle, you’ll find a house down a hill, surrounded by bushes and hidden by a fence. One step into Evan and Gavin’s front yard and it feels as though you’ve been transported to a relaxing sanctuary far from the bustle of the city.

Name: Dave and Mollie Code Location: West Loop — Chicago, Illinois Size: 2,300 square feet Years lived in: 1 years Tall ceilings, brick walls, sleek surfaces—this raw, industrial-style space is the home of Dave and Mollie Code. They run Studio Code together, a development firm based in Chicago with the goal of restoring the historic elements of homes while also creating functioning spaces.

Name: Andre Hueston Mack and Phoebe Damrosch Location: Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn Size: 2,200 square feet Years lived in: 5 years Andre Mack has a lot on his plate these days—sommelier, winemaker, author, graphic designer, and father to three charming boys. He and his wife Phoebe have created a beautiful family home in Brooklyn, where styles merge and creativity abounds. Our Style: Belongings with a soul and a story.

Name: Lauren and Jason Location: West Seattle — Seattle, Washington Size: 1,792 square feet Years lived in: 3-1/2 years The first time I got a look at Lauren and Jason’s super chic West Seattle townhome, I was a guest at their “Roaring Twenties”-themed 2016 Oscar party. I climbed the stairs, turned the corner into their kitchen, and bam! It was all Great Gatsby up in that place.

Keeping a 600 square foot space fresh and simple is more affordable than you might think. Alejandra and Oliver have filled their Boston apartment with both old and new while keeping their space timeless and bright. Use their shopping resource list to get this look and make it your own without breaking the bank!

Ivana likes simple things. She loves the sensation of an empty space. And her condo reflects that; the style is simple, modern and minimalist.

Decorating a rented space well can be challenging. Incorporating your own style into the permanent, sometimes significant, features isn’t always easy. But it’s an area in which Ruth excelled in her 550 square feet in London. Check out Ruth’s shopping resources to achieve her stylish vintage Scandinavian style in your own space.

Name: Cisco Merel and Barbara Cartier Location: Panama City, Panama Size: 3013 square feet Years lived in: Owned 1 year Cisco Merel and Barbara Cartier are two young artists living in Panama City. They met years ago in Germany when both were working there, and they love travels, adventures and learning from other cultures and countries. They decided to settle in Panama, where Cisco has roots.

Name: American Trade Hotel Location: Casco Viejo — Panama City, Panama. I had heard a lot of things about Panama, but when I’ve arrived I immediately knew this is a country full of contrasts. There are modern, cosmopolitan areas with views of the skyline and the ocean. Or you can get lost in the old neighborhood of Casco Viejo, where you can feel the history in the charming and colorful architecture. There a few things you can’t miss in Casco Viejo.

Name: Jaya Williams, Maggie Shafran, Steph Sloan Location: Silver Lake — Los Angeles, California Size: 1250 square feet Years lived in: Rented 8 months Jaya writes: “Maggie and I met during undergrad at Pitzer College in Claremont, California and Maggie and Steph grew up together in Sun Valley, Idaho. We all three got together after we graduated in 2014 and moved to Los Angeles and have had this amazing sister-best-friend-wife dynamic.

Name: Caroline and Jayden Lee Location: Atwater Village — Los Angeles, California Size: 1,000 square feet Years lived in: Rented 2.5 years Caroline and Jayden are the hard-working dynamic duo behind Woodnote Photography and Coco Carpets, two companies that combine a love for travel with an eye for all things beautiful.

Name: Morgan Fender, Owner of Bomisch, Brandon and Ed (the dog) Location: Montford — Asheville, North Carolina Size: 842 square feet Years lived in: Rented 1 year, 2 months While the couple was living in a downtown Asheville loft, they signed the lease immediately when they noticed a house on a corner lot in a desirable neighborhood pop up on Craigslist.

Mollie and Dave’s condo features lovely bleached wood floors, mile-high ceilings, enviable original wood features, and breathtaking views of Chicago. They’ve filled their home with comfortable, industrial-friendly pieces that enhance their living space without distracting from its inherent charms. Click through to shop the style!

Name: Pilar Sinclair Location: Cinta Costera — Panama City, Panama Size: 1184 square feet Years lived in: Rented 1 year Panama City is a place of contrasts. And the Cinta Costera neighborhood is very modern, with the best views in the city. The Pacific Ocean is right in front of your eyes (you can almost jump in and take a dip!). Pilar has the incredible luck of waking up everyday with these views—as well as living in the colorful, playful home she’s created.

Evan and Gavin have perfected the art of finding impressive decor at antique and thrift shops. Their Seattle home is a treasure trove of mid-century modern finds and one-of-a-kind pieces. But not everyone can be so lucky. Check out this shopping resource list to find some new mid-century modern-inspired treasures that you don’t have to cross your fingers and make a wish for.

Name: Megan Jorgensen Location: Highland Park — Los Angeles, California Size: 2 bedroom Years lived in: Rented 6 months Megan Jorgensen is an artist whose carefully edited collection of unconventional knick knacks has followed her from Minneapolis to California and everywhere in between. From antique tools to mini figurines—and her own paintings and textiles—her artistic assortment is displayed throughout her home in thoughtful vignettes.

Name: Morgan and Andrew Beatton Location: Historic Marietta, Georgia Size: 915 square feet Years lived in: 4 months! Morgan and Andrew welcome us into their beautifully designed home on the outskirts of Atlanta. Plants and natural textures create the welcoming aesthetic of this home, leaving this smaller space feeling bright and airy. The Beatton’s home in quaint and historic Marietta, Georgia is a clever blend of old and new that feels finessed and effortless.

From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with the open, honest expression of a couple who fills their home with good vibes, delicious food, and lots of great memories.

Caroline Lee is the founder of perhaps the most fun rug retailer in the world, Coco Carpets. She lives with her husband Jayden in the charming Los Angeles suburb of Atwater Village and boasts a wardrobe that is as colorful as her rugs and as vibrant as her personality. We coaxed the carefree Caroline into sharing some of her favorite wardrobe staples, which are helpful reminders that work and play do not have to be mutually exclusive. Your very favorite outfit:: Most often found in?

Name: Suzanne of Decogirl Montreal Location: Downtown, Montreal Size: 900 square feet Years lived in: 9 months Suzanne is an interior decorator working in Montreal who excels at creating luxurious decor where exuberance, drama, class, color and comfort all mix together to create intriguing and wonderful spaces. Suzanne finds inspiration for every project in Coco Chanel, Bunny Williams, and Jonathan Adler, to name a few.

We recently featured artist Megan Jorgenson‘s peaceful Bohemian home, which she shares with her roommate Leah, and fell in love with her style. Just like her home, her outfits are artfully composed and timeless in their aesthetic. Classic shapes from a variety of decades combine with killer color combinations to create a look that follows no rules yet is distinctly Megan.

Name: Danny and Lyndsay Gugger Location: Portland, Maine Size: 950 square feet Years lived in: Renting 2 months Danny writes: “My wife and I live on the historic Deering Street in Portland, Maine. The building was built in the mid-1800s and our unit is around 950 square feet. We have 10 foot ceilings and black marble fireplaces in both the living room and bedroom. We recently moved from Wisconsin, where we lived in another mid-1800s home.

Name: Sam and Heidi, and their two young sons Location: Athens, Georgia Size: 1,750 square feet Years lived in: 1.5 years; owned When it comes to fixer-uppers, it takes the right person with a vision to bring it back to life. For this darling 1936 Spanish Colonial in Athens, Georgia, it was destiny that brought her the befitting champion—someone who could see her potential beyond the old peeling paint, the water damage, and years of neglect.

Name: Leigh Baumann (with renter Eli Barrett) Location: Beacon, NY Size: 960 square feet Years lived in: 2.5 years Leigh is the owner of this lovely home in Beacon, New York. But it wasn’t always so lovely—Leigh gutted the house, completely renovating it. The result is a wonderful mix of architectural elements, an earthy color palette and vintage finds. My Style: Farmhouse-industrial with a mid-century modern touch Inspiration: So much inspiration!

Name: Vanessa Matsalla Location: South Oceanside, California Size: 1800 square feet Years lived in: Owned 2 years The words “California Cool” come to mind when you see interior designer Vanessa Matsalla’s South Oceanside house. An earthy color palette mixes with natural textiles and textures. But contemporary—and even quirky—elements are sprinkled throughout the home, making for a dynamic space.

Name: Laura and Roberto Location: Ciutat Vella — Valencia, Spain Size: 904 square feet Years lived in: Rented 2 years. Laura and Roberto are a couple who likes it simple. For them, “less is more” is not just a phrase, it’s the way they built their home together. They are musicians with Uke, a band that plays soft and sweet music made with heart.

Name: Lesli DeVito Location: Greenwood — Charlottesville, Virginia Size: 3624 square feet Years lived in: Owned 12 years Lesli, a painter, and her family first rented this Charlottesville home—originally built in 1880. But after only a year of living in the space, they bought it from the owner. They are only the second family ever to own the house. Lesli, who runs the blog My Old Country House, has put a lot of heart into this home for the past 12 years.

Name: Justin Cox and Blue Jean the pup Location: East Austin — Austin, Texas Size: 2/2 + Office Years lived in: 1 years Justin Cox’s home is located in the heart of Austin. The rich, warm wood ceiling in the living room might catch your eye first. A modern kitchen is visible from the front door, and the first impression is of an airy, light-filled space, beautifully layered from floor to (wood) ceiling.

Name: Rashelle Roos and Joe Agati Location: Miller Beach — Gary, Indiana (Southern tip of Lake Michigan) Size: 2,800 square feet Years lived in: Owned 6 years The moment you step through the gate of Rashelle Roos and Joe Agati’s getaway house on the south shore of Lake Michigan, you have the overwhelming feeling of having arrived somewhere very special. Perhaps it’s due to Joe’s monumental sculptural work, Looking Through, which greets you in the front yard.

Name: Ana Elena Garuz Location: Panama City, Panama Size: 1712 square feet Years lived in: Owned 9 years There are amazing people around the world; people with extraordinary talent. Ana is one of them. This incredible Panamanian woman has great energy and knows how to transform it into beautiful art pieces. She’s a woman with good taste and she’s committed to everything she does. Art is Ana’s passion and she’s filled everything around her with that spirit.

Name: Tavia Tindall Location: North Minneapolis, Minnesota Size: 1,496 square feet Years lived in: Owned 1 year Tavia is one of the lucky few who have been blessed by a full and complete home after only a year of home ownership and barely spending a thing. Friends and family, thrift stores, and garage sales have allowed her to fill her space with unique, original, and rare decor from numerous eras and styles.

Name: Kelsy and Travis Hodge, with their children Elodie (6) and Paloma (1.5) Location: Santa Barbara, California Size: 980 square feet Years lived in: Rented 4.5 years The bright yellow wreath by the front door and pom pom garland hanging in the picture window are the first hints of the visual treat waiting for us within the Hodge family’s 1920s California Bungalow. Inside, their home has a cheery and comfortable vibe.

Name: Sandra Location: L’eixample — Valencia, Spain. Size: 3530 square feet Years lived in: Owned 5 years Sandra’s home is full of flowers. Incredible light and high ceilings frame floral patterns, shades of blue and elaborate tiles, which in turn add modernity to a space with stunning, classic architectural details. Sandra is a fashion designer and has her own brand, Kaif. She also has a beautiful store in Valencia where she sells all the pieces she creates.